Chapter 2

The next night was Silverfang Group's annual gala.

Carlos was supposed to formally propose to me that night and announce our mate bond before the family elders.

I wore the gown my mother had left me and stood in the shadows on the second floor, looking down at the hall.

In the middle of the hall, Carlos went down on one knee.

But the woman standing in front of him was Vivian.

"To stabilize the department and cure Vivian's bloodline defect for good, I've decided to form a mate bond with her."

The microphone carried Carlos's voice through the entire hall.

The crowd erupted in shock. Everyone knew I was Carlos's fiancée.

Leon led the applause from the floor.

"That's the smartest decision he could make! Vivian needs that status more than Wendy does!"

Austin, as head of the family, raised his glass.

"I approve of the bride swap. Wendy's strong enough. She'll understand it's for the good of the family."

So this was what they meant by the good of the family.

It meant taking away my place in the family and giving my fiancé to an illegitimate daughter, all to satisfy her vanity.

I made my way slowly down the stairs.

The hall went silent.

Guilt flickered across Carlos's face when he saw me, but his expression quickly hardened.

"Wendy, perfect timing.

"Hand over the diamond ring your mother left you.

"Vivian's my mate-to-be now. She needs that ring to look the part."

Vivian hid behind Carlos, looking pitiful.

"Wendy, I'm so sorry... but I'm terrified the elders won't accept me.

"You're so strong. You don't need a ring to command respect, do you?"

Austin stepped forward, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Give her the ring. You can always marry someone ordinary later. Vivian's status has to be beyond question."

"Sure."

I took off the diamond ring, but I didn't hand it over.

I tapped my phone a few times, and the big screen in the hall lit up with a detailed breakdown of expenses.

"Carlos, over the past seven years, I spent $36 million building connections with powerful people for you.

"I paid another $24 million out of my own pocket to clean up your PR disasters."

My voice rang out, clear and steady, as I took in their livid faces.

"Factor in seven years of my life, and that brings the total to a flat $150 million.

"You want to switch brides? Fine.

"Pay me $150 million, and he's all yours."

Carlos turned bright red.

"Wendy! You're putting a price on what we had? You're disgusting!"

"Disgusting?"

I gave a cold laugh and turned to face all the guests.

"Everyone, this ring is supposed to symbolize the family matriarch. Well, I'm putting it up for auction right now. Bidding starts at $6 million! Highest bidder takes it!"

"Don't you dare!"

Furious, Austin lunged at me to grab it.

I was faster. I slammed the ring down on the floor.

The diamond itself was intact, but I'd tampered with the setting beforehand. It shattered on impact.

And I wasn't done. I grabbed a corkscrew off a nearby waiter's tray.

In front of everyone, I drove its sharp tip into the gown I was wearing, a symbol of the family's legacy.

Rrrip!

The fabric tore open, leaving a huge gash.

"Wendy, what are you doing? That's the gown I'm supposed to wear to my bonding ceremony tomorrow!"

Vivian shrieked.

"You've got that wrong."

I tossed the corkscrew aside and eyed the clowns in front of me with contempt.

"I bought the fabric for this gown. I paid for the design. It belongs to me.

"I'd rather destroy it than let a scavenger wear it."

I picked up a glass of red wine from the table and threw it in Carlos's face.

"Same goes for the man.

"I want $150 million in my account by noon tomorrow. Otherwise, the board will hear all about your little bride swap, along with the evidence of your falsified financial records."